Three-alarm fire destroys home in Oconomowoc

WAUKESHA CO. (WITI) -- Fire crews responded to the scene of a three-alarm house fire on Morgan Road in Oconomowoc Monday morning, March 4th.

According to authorities, fire crews arrived on the scene around 7:43 a.m. after receiving a 911 call from an off-duty Watertown firefighter in the area.

When crews arrived on the scene, flames were coming from the residence. Shortly after arrival, the fire was upgraded to three alarms due to a lack of hydrants in the area.

"One of the problems with anything that's not hydrated is that you have to bring water to the scene. Fire apparatus - depending on the size of the tender can carry from 2,000 to 4,000 gallons of water at a time and when you're putting that through the hoses that goes in a matter of minutes," Oconomowoc Police Chief David Beguhn said.

According to officials, 15 fire departments responded to the scene to assist in battling the blaze. Shortly after 11:00 a.m. the fire was under control -- however officials remained on the scene to monitor hot spots.

Authorities say no one was inside the residence when the fire broke out.

The cause of the fire is unknown -- but officials say they do not believe it to be suspicious.

The house is a total loss.